Inviting opinions:
Name(raised intonation)
What's your reaction to...
What would you like to add?
How do you feel about...
Could you please share your thoughts about...
What's your view on...
What are your feelings on...
What do you think...
What's your opinion...
Expressing opinions:
Formal:
I tend to feel that... contains 2 meanings:1. not 100% sure;2.polite way to give opinions.
From my point of view...
It seems to me that... It would seem to me that...
I have the impression...
Informal
I think...
I feel...
I reckon...
The way I see it is...
The point is...
Actually, (something new or interesting)
Formal/Careful
Sheila: So, let's move on to the topic of release date. Gentlemen, when do you think we will be able to launch this product? Walt?
Walt: Well, I tend to feel that...we should probably be able to start testing the product in April. That means that if all goes well, we can have a first release in May or June.
Sheila: I see. Thank you, Walt. What's your reaction to that Bruce?
Bruce: May or June...Well, from my point of view...that sounds about right.
George: Execuse me, may I come in here? I wonder if I could say something.
Sheila: Go ahead, George. What would you like to add?
George: Well, it seems to me that May is much, much too early. Actually, we are still having some pretty major problems with bugs in the update engine, and I just don't see how we will be able to... here seems is similar with "tend to"
Informal/Direct
Ok, now let's listen to George, Bruce and Walt walk into the break room right after the meeting. Sheila, theis boss, is not here; this is a more informal situation.
Bruce: Hey guys, did you see the Chelsea/Liverpool game last night? What did you think, Walt? Quite a game, huh? Chelsea looked pretty good!
Walt: You always have to rub it in, don't you Bruce. You know I'm a Liverpool fan.
Bruce: How about you, George?
George: Actually, that was one of the greatest games I've ever seen. But the way you guys keep telling the boss we can finish the product by May, none of us are going to have time to watch any more football games. We're all going to be working overtime every night, burning the midnight oil!
What did you think? Way of asking someone about their opinion in an informal manner. "I really liked that our trip to Thailand. What did you think, Joe?"
Rub it in: To remind someone on purpose of something that is uncomfortable or painful. "Every time I make a mistake, she just loves to rub it in."
Overtime: Extra hours spent working. "Anything over 40 hours per week is consindered working overtime here."
To burn the midnight oil: To work late into the night. "I had to burn the midnight oil to get the product done."